The Effect of Impeller Indent Distance on the Performance of Vortex Pumps

Abstract

Low efficiency is an urgent problem to be solved for vortex pumps due to large number of vortices and backflows. This paper concentrates on the performance improvement of vortex pumps caused by changing the indent distance of the impeller. First, a complete numerical model was established by selecting the optimal length of inlet and outlet and appropriate mesh quantity. Then, the reliability of this model was validated by comparing simulation results with experimental data. Based on this model, the internal flows of vortex pumps with different impeller indent distances were observed in simulations and the fitted curves of head and efficiency were created. Finally, the cause of the performance improvement was demonstrated by analyzing the flow field in vortex pumps.